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Eden staff report students received free dental care through University at Buffalo 'Team Smile' event
Summary
District staff described a UB-coordinated Team Smile visit that brought 28 preK–12 students to the Bills Fieldhouse for free dental screenings, X-rays, extractions and oral-health education, with special accommodations for students with sensory or behavioral needs.
The Eden Central School District heard a presentation about Team Smile, a University at Buffalo–coordinated program that provided on-site dental screenings, X-rays, extractions and oral-hygiene education for 28 district students at the Bills Fieldhouse.
"It provided free dental care and oral hygiene and education for children in a fun, supportive environment," said Lisonbee Gardner, who described the event and the program's work with students who have special education needs. Gardner and Antoinette Backard, the district’s pre-K–5 psychologist, said the UB staff used sensory tools, weighted lap pads and modeling to help children who struggle with dental visits. Presenter Carter noted that parental consent limited procedures to what each family approved and that school staff supported students throughout the visit.
Presenters said the event reduced common barriers—transportation, lack of dental insurance and access to specialists—and left families with packets to share with their regular dentists. "They identified the highest level of need, so they kind of triage what your student needed," Gardner said. The board thanked the presenters and praised the district cafeteria for coordinating lunches under the event's dietary restrictions.
